New clinic in Eureka to boost veterans' care

Less than half of Humboldt County's veterans seek treatment at Eureka's Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic, a number the department hopes to increase with the construction of a new clinic slated to open in October.

The clinic, located in the former Safeway building on West Harris Street, will add services for local veterans and shift management to the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

San Francisco VA Medical Center Director of Public Affairs Judi Cheary said the VA budgeted the expansion of the facility with a focus on rural veterans care, which makes up 40 percent of the department's services.

Cheary said many Humboldt County veterans have to travel to San Francisco for specialist care. She said the VA has had a good relationship with Brian and Nancy Craig, who contracted to manage the Eureka clinic for more than 10 years and created a standard for veterans care in the county.

"Because of the services we need to provide to our rural veterans, we needed to expand out of their space," Cheary said.

Rob Hepburn, of the local chapter of Veteran's for Peace, said it is difficult for himself and other veterans -- many who are homeless -- to travel to San Francisco for care.

"If it's expanded services it's good, of course," Hepburn said.

In a press release, the VA said it will bring audiology, optometry, podiatry, prosthetics and, in the future, physical therapy programs to the new Eureka facility.

In addition, the VA is promoting "telehealth" -- video and telephone appointments that allow patients to visit with specialists like dermatologists.

"Expanding services in rural communities is a goal and a challenge," Cheary said.

The Eureka clinic serves about 42 percent of the local veteran population -- 5,000 veterans per year out of an approximately 12,000 veterans that reside in the county.

"The great majority of rural veterans are eligible," Cheary said, adding that it could be any number of reasons why more veterans don't use the clinic.

Humboldt County Veteran Services Officer Rena Maveety works to help veterans obtain benefits from federal, state and local resources, including the VA clinic.

"Accessing the health care is an important part of their benefits and their health," Maveety said.

There are some income-based eligibility restrictions, which may account for a portion of the low percentage that receives care from the clinic.